DCF Changes to Ratios and More…

It was last week the Department of Children and Families issued a statement on the changes to ratios in one of the most challenging and important developmental stages in early childhood, 18-30 month old children. This is our Romper Room friends and teachers. Prior to this announcement and instructions to endorse this change so that we are able to access additional funding, this group was set at a ratio on 1 teacher to 4 toddlers. Have you ever imagined changing a diaper of 1 fast and furious tot while the other 3 bounce off of each other and if they get too close, a bite is likely to occur. Their mouths are active at this stage. Now let’s give this profession person 7 toddlers. Feeding, dressing, outside transitions, toileting, hands-washed, and the list goes on. I know from my 40 years of experience that these young people will not successfully pass through this stage without turmoil when they have been placed in a room with 6 other beautiful little humans who are trying to recognize each other. No Way! The centers who have many more children enrolled will have license to increased ratios of 2 teachers with 14 toddlers who range from 1.5 to 2.5 years of age. It is a decision made to relieve the cost of child care by combining more children in spaces that are sufficiently calculated at 35 square feet per child, but conveniently lacking in developmentally appropriate consideration. The children deserve better and we have to focus on their development and not on how many we can fit into a space. It’s bad policy and it makes me nervous for the next group of young ‘uns passing through the gates of centers that endorse this change.